Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation has awarded Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) a contract to develop and supply data concentrator units for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter that is being developed for use by the U.S. Marine Corps. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

"We are extremely pleased for the vote of confidence placed in Curtiss-Wright by Sikorsky Aircraft for this critical element of a very complex aircraft system," said Martin R. Benante, Curtiss-Wright Chairman and CEO. "The helicopter market continues to be a significant contributor to the growth of our core military aerospace business and has been a key factor in the robust organic sales growth of our integrated sensing products."

The contract has a total potential value of $22 million when development and all aircraft production options and phases are completed. The initial contract runs through 2011 with the production phase starting in 2013.

Curtiss-Wright's system consists of two data concentrator units (DCUs) that will receive and provide various avionic and air vehicle discrete, digital and analog inputs for monitoring, processing data and controlling various CH-53K subsystem components.

Curtiss-Wright will develop and manufacture the DCU systems at its Motion Control segment City of Industry, CA, facility, which recently opened to accommodate the growth in demand for integrated sensing products.

The Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion (Sikorsky S-80E) is the largest and heaviest helicopter in the United States military. The CH-53K is expected to replace the CH-53E helicopters that the Marine Corps currently deploys from amphibious assault ships to transport personnel and equipment, and to carry external cargo loads. The CH-53K is designed to transport heavy payloads over longer distances and will significantly reduce operation and support costs. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, CT, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp. provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.